Winter is a difficult time for many wild animals. The cold weather and scarce food can be very hard on them. That’s why it’s important to provide them with food during the winter months. In this blog post, we will discuss bird feeding basics and the foods that you can feed your wild friends during winter. This is how to do it!
1. Suet
Suet is a great food to offer your wild friends during winter. It is high in fat and calories, which can help them stay warm and energized during the cold months. You can purchase suet at your local hardware or feed store, or you can make your own. To make your suet, start with a base of lard, beef fat, or coconut oil. Then add some birdseed, nuts, dried fruit, and/or peanut butter to the mix. Be sure to mix everything well so that the birds can easily access all the food. There is also a wide range of suet pellets online if you don’t want to make your own. Once you have your suet mixture ready, it’s time to start feeding. You can offer suet in a feeder specifically designed for it, or you can simply put it out on a plate or in a shallow bowl. If you’re using a plate or bowl, be sure to put it in a place where the birds can easily access it and where it won’t be disturbed by other animals. When feeding suet, be sure to keep an eye on the birds and replenish the food as needed. It’s also important to clean up any uneaten food so that it doesn’t attract rodents or other pests.
2. Birdseed
One of the most popular options for bird food is birdseed. Birdseed can be found at most stores that sell pet food or garden supplies, and there are many types to choose from. Some birdseed mixes will contain just a few different kinds of seed, while others will have a variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits. It’s important to read the labels on birdseed mixes to make sure they don’t contain any harmful chemicals or pesticides. When choosing birdseed, it’s best to go for a mix that contains a variety of different seeds. This way, you’ll be sure to attract a wide range of birds to your feeder. Some of the most popular seeds for birds are black-oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, millet, and Niger seed. If you’re not sure what kind of birdseed to get, you can always ask for help at your local pet store or garden center. The staff there will be able to recommend a good mix for the birds in your area.
3. Peanuts
Peanuts are a great food to offer your feathered friends during winter. They are high in fat and protein, which can help the birds stay warm and energized. You can purchase peanuts at most stores that sell pet food or garden supplies. Be sure to get unsalted peanuts, as salt is not good for birds. You can offer peanuts to the birds in a feeder specifically designed for it, or you can simply put them out on a plate or in a shallow bowl. If you’re using a plate or bowl, be sure to put it in a place where the birds can easily access it and where it won’t be disturbed by other animals. When feeding peanuts, be sure to keep an eye on the birds and replenish the food as needed. It’s also important to clean up any uneaten food so that it doesn’t attract rodents or other pests. It is important to note that some birds may be allergic to peanuts, so be sure to do your research before offering them to the birds in your area.
4. Dried fruits
Dried fruits are a great option for bird feeders because they contain natural sugars and nutrients. You can find dried fruits at most grocery stores, or you can make your own by drying fruit in the oven or dehydrator. Be sure to remove any pits or seeds before feeding them to birds, as these can be harmful. Some good options for dried fruits include apples, apricots, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, mangoes, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, raisins, and figs. If you have a lot of fresh fruit that is about to go bad, don’t let it go to waste! Cut it up into small pieces and put it out for the birds. One word of caution: avoid giving birds foods that are high in sugar, as this can cause health problems. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, liver damage, and even heart disease. If you do offer sugary treats to birds, do so in moderation and be sure to offer a variety of other food options as well.
One of the best things you can do to help wild birds during winter is to provide them with a consistent food source. By offering a variety of foods that are high in natural sugars and nutrients, you can help them stay healthy and active during the colder months. So next time you’re at the store, pick up some extra fruits and vegetables to put out for the birds! Your feathered friends will appreciate it.